Crowds flocked to Peterborough Showground for the opening day of the MCN Festival of Motorcycling – advance ticket sales were up 40% on last year, following the event’s successful launch in 2015.

Show-goers were rewarded by Team GB delivering a double victory in the opening rounds of the Transatlantic Trophy series.

‘Texas Tornado’ Colin Edwards led the American flat-track riders, who pushed the Brits hard around the oval, but couldn’t prevent UK duo Aiden Collins and Oliver Brindley from dominating the competition. However, the Americans pushed back hard in the afternoon, leaving it all to play for on Sunday to carry off the silverware.

Visitors took full advantage of the many activities on offer, with more than 500 test rides taken on the latest bikes from Bultaco, BMW, CCM, Ducati, Herald, Indian, KTM, Suzuki,Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.

There were also opportunities to try an adventure bike in an off-road setting, motocross taster sessions and a selection of classic and vintage machines from the National Motorcycle Museum, available to ride around a closed circuit.

Stunt aces Steve Colley and Dave Coates entertained onlookers with shows throughout the day, while the sprinting displays and classic race bike parades attracted plenty of interest. The expanded Club Zone drew in bikers eager to browse hundreds of bikes of all ages and styles.

There were bargains galore in the huge retail zone, with amazing clearance offers from some big brand names, and lots of rare and unusual finds in the all-new autojumble.

Tickets to the show cost £19 on the gate, and children under 15 go free when accompanied by a paying adult (one child per paying adult).

For more information and to book tickets visit www.mcnfestival.com or call 0871 230 1108